'Canes still alive - just
minutes of the second half was scrappy with both sides guilty of giving away too many penalties.
Aside from a 43rd minute effort by Cruden and a 53rd minute three-pointer by Bruce the goal-kickers were unable to make the most of it with Colin Bourke missing one and Hurricanes replacement half-back Weepu sending a straightforward attempt wide.
The Chiefs eventually paid the price for their persistent infringing at the breakdown with substitute loose forward Braid sin-binned just after coming on to the field. Weepu made
no mistake this time and the Hurricanes trailed by six points with 18 minutes to go.
Scorers:
Hurricanes 33
Tries: Jane, Nonu 2, Tialata
Con: Cruden, Weepu
Pen: Cruden 2, Weepu
Chiefs: 27
Tries: Willison, Taumalolo, Nanai-Williams,
Messam
Con: Bruce 2
Pen: Bruce
HT: 15-24